The renewal of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (“PPEL”) is on the ballot in November. This levy, the funds from which can only be used for repairs and maintenance of school buildings along with a range of equipment needs,
Tracking Tax Transparency
As fall approaches and local governments in central Iowa begin to put budgets together for the coming year, they will have to decide what to do with the extraordinarily high property tax assessment increases that homeowners and businesses received in
Another LOSST Election
On August 6, 2019, voters in five Polk County cities will have an opportunity to vote on imposing the 1-cent local option sales tax (LOSST) on retail sales in their communities. The five cities are Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, and
House Proposes Property Tax Transparency
Tax Transparency Talking Points
Smart Government. Shared Resources

Here’s our response to the Business Record’s question, “What one big thing could central Iowa do to be a better place to live?”
Property Taxes Fund Public Pensions

It’s September – time to pay property taxes! Most property owners will see a significant increase in taxes due this fall. Assessments were way up (8.2 percent for residential property in urban Polk County, for example), and most jurisdictions are
A Lesson on Teacher Pensions
A Lesson on Teacher Pensions